Swollen Calf

by Nigel
(Monmouth)

I have been running/cycling for 20 years. In mid July I started training for the Snowdon marathon. After 5 to 6 weeks I found that my legs felt heavy experiencing cramp like sensations and tightness in my hamstrings and calfs.

Having reasonable cv I continued to push through this continuing what I feel are good quality hill and speed sessions (but very few distance runs).

Yesterday I sought hospital treatment after a long run the day before, I ran 23 miles but after 10 I was in agony, my left calf was burning, I could not stretch out and was running at walking pace. My calf swelled up and reddened making walking painful.

At the hospital I was treated for deep vain thrombosis but thankfully the blood tests were negative. The pain and lack of movement persist as well as swelling (where you can push the skin over the bone leaving big indents).

I should be grateful for any training or medical advice bearing in mind that I'm due to take part in the Snowdon marathon on 25/10/08.

Many thanks, Nigel


Answer by Dominique:


Hi Nigel,
Thanks for your question. Sounds like a painful affair!

There could be multiple reasons for your swollen calf. It could be a repetitive strain injury, maybe due to too many, and too much demanding hill sessions/speed sessions.
If that is the case you need to give it enough rest and plenty of massage.

However it could be something else as well. I highly recommend that you seek medical advice and find out what's going on.

As far as the marathon goes: I'd first make sure that everything is alright, then see if you can still compete in your marathon. Probably not what you want to hear right now, but better safe than sorry.


Best of luck.
Kind regards,
Dominique